Annapolis Valley employment growing faster than Halifax

Employment growth in the Annapolis Valley has outpaced Halifax for the first nine months of the year.

Data from Statistics Canada shows that the Valley added 2,000 jobs since January, while Halifax gained 1,600 in the same period.

This data is in a new report on labour market trends released by the province on Oct. 7.

For the province as a whole, average employment fell by 2,000 in the first three quarters of 2016.

The Valley Regional Enterprise Network is one of five enterprises across the province that work to navigate economic development while providing support to businesses.

“Even though employment levels can change from month to month, the Valley REN is pleased with this good news for employees and employers in our region,” said CEO Kelly Ells in a news release Wednesday.

Ells added that her network is collaborating with a team of service providers to develop the workforce as part of a strategic plan to grow the regional economy while retaining youth.

Enterprises like the Valley REN are funded by cities, First Nations partners and the province. Their job is to grow the economy outside of Halifax by creating conditions for growth.